Heavy vehicles

Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (NSW) (the HVNL) a heavy vehicle is a vehicle that has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of more than 4.5 tonnes and a combination that includes a vehicle with a GVM or ATM of more than 4.5 tonnes.

All 4.6 metre high heavy vehicles, short combinations, B-doubles and specified road trains operating at General Mass Limits now have enforceable networks. This removes the need for permits for specific road trains operating on approved routes on and east of the Newell Highway. It also removes the need for newly approved routes to be published in the Commonwealth Gazette.

Heavy vehicle operations are regulated under the HVNL and National Regulations by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). The HVNL and Regulations took effect on 10 February 2014. To access the legislation as it applies in NSW go to the NSW Legislation website. Roads and Maritime delivers services under a services agreement with the NHVR.

Some matters are dealt with exclusively by the NHVR, for example, accreditation under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme and some matters, such as registration and licensing, are managed exclusively by Roads and Maritime.

In respect of other areas of heavy vehicle operations including compliance and enforcement, vehicle standards, road access and permits, Roads and Maritime performs services on behalf of the NHVR and has direct contact with customers in relation to these matters.

Arrangements have been put in place for Roads and Maritime to issue permits for Class 1 and Class 3 heavy vehicles for travel on Roads and Maritime managed roads in NSW.

Road safety and compliance information, including chain of responsibility, load and height restrictions, speeding and camera enforcement, inspections and checks, industry investigation and statistics.
From 1 July 2015, local councils with authorised officers will be able to enforce mass requirements on their roads.